2009-01-06 Special CIC MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY- -JANUARY 6, 2009- -7:31 P.M.
Chair Johnson convened the Special Meeting at 8:08 p.m.
ROLL CALL - Present: Commissioners deHaan, Gilmore, Matarrese,
Tam and Chair Johnson – 5.
Absent: None.
MINUTES
(09-02) Minutes of the Special Joint City Council, Alameda Reuse
and Redevelopment Authority and CIC Meetings held on December 16,
2008. Approved.
Commissioner deHaan moved approval of the minutes.
Commissioner Matarrese seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous voice vote – 5.
AGENDA ITEM
(09-03) Recommendation to maintain the current façade of the
northern elevation of the Civic Center parking garage and re-
allocate funds to other redevelopment priorities, including
improvement of the appearance of the Bill Chun Service Station.
The Redevelopment Manager gave a brief presentation.
Commissioner deHaan inquired how much of the planting area is
within the City’s jurisdiction.
The Redevelopment Manager responded the entire area; stated the
area is narrow; trees are not a viable option; the City would need
to acquire some of Long’s property to plant trees; Long’s uses the
area for delivery.
Commissioner deHaan inquired whether drainage is an issue, to which
the Redevelopment Manager responded in the negative.
Commissioner deHaan inquired whether the Redevelopment Manager
reviewed the letter from Jennifer Bowles.
The Redevelopment Manager responded in the affirmative; stated Ms.
Bowles expressed concerns regarding bamboo; the Architect noted a
number of examples where bamboo has worked in the Bay Area.
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January 6, 2009
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Commissioner deHaan stated bamboo is the least expensive option but
requires maintenance.
The Redevelopment Manager stated bamboo is very difficult to
remove.
Chair Johnson stated various options have been presented; inquired
whether an option could be to reallocate the money to other façade
programs, including the Chun property.
The Redevelopment Manager responded the money could be reallocated
to other CIC redevelopment priorities, including the Chun property.
Chair Johnson stated fixing the Chun property is important because
a lot of money has been spent in the area; the owners are
committing to spend $200,000.
The Redevelopment Manager stated the owners want to remediate
before selling the site; plans include removing the chain link
fence, repainting, and improving the interior; planters would be
installed; the Park Street Business Association (PSBA) has agreed
to maintain the planters.
Chair Johnson inquired whether benches would be allowed.
The Redevelopment Manager responded benches would be a liability
during remediation.
Commissioner Tam requested clarification on improvement costs for
the Chun property.
The Redevelopment Manager stated costs are approximately $75,000 to
$110,000.
Commissioner Tam inquired whether options include the northern
façade landscaping and esthetic improvements to the Chun property,
to which the Redevelopment Manager responded in the affirmative.
Speakers: Christopher Buckley, Alameda (submitted letter); Richard
Rutter, Alameda (submitted photo); and Robb Ratto, Park Street
Business Association.
Chair Johnson inquired whether staff is requesting funding re-
allocation in general, not for specific projects.
The Redevelopment Manager responded staff is requesting funding re-
allocation for the Chun property; stated other funds would be
allocated on an as-needed basis.
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January 6, 2009
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Commissioner Matarrese moved approval of re-allocating funds for
the Chun property and reprogramming remaining funds to projects
that would provide an immediate return.
Commissioner Gilmore seconded the motion.
Under discussion, Commissioner deHaan stated that he supports
planting vines.
Commissioner Gilmore stated planting could always be an option in
the future; moving an economic project forward is important.
Commissioner deHaan stated planting would be an inexpensive option;
the problem would be future maintenance.
Chair Johnson inquired whether the façade grant program still has
funding, to which the Redevelopment Manager responded in the
negative.
Chair Johnson inquired whether remaining the remaining funds could
be used for the façade grant program.
The Development Services Director responded the City had a couple
of substantial façade improvement projects; stated that she would
not advocate using the remaining money [for the façade program]
because prevailing wages do not go very far; the program has been
funded with loans that have been repaid and other revenue sources
which are not restricted by prevailing wages.
Commissioner Tam stated that she concurs with Commissioner deHaan;
times are tight, but the funds have been contemplated and dedicated
for theatre and garage improvements; a promise has been made;
spending money on vegetation is a minimal cost; that she is
grateful that the Chun property owners and staff reached an
agreement; thanked PSBA for offering to provide planters and
maintenance; that she is supportive of doing both [planting and
Chun improvements].
Chair Johnson stated planting can be done later; no commitment has
been made to the community; spending needs to be prioritized; high
priority projects need to be addressed.
Commissioner Matarrese stated planting options can be made in the
future; adding Cyprus trees into the mix should come back for
discussion.
Commissioner Tam stated northern elevation improvements were value
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January 6, 2009
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engineered out; improvements are expected; plants are functional
and remove toxins; that she does not support the motion.
Commissioner deHaan stated the strip needs covering; maintenance is
an issue.
On the call for the question, the motion carried by the following
voice vote: Ayes: Commissioners Gilmore, Matarrese and Chair
Johnson – 3. Noes: Commissioners deHaan and Tam – 2.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chair Johnson adjourned the
Special Meeting at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lara Weisiger
Secretary, Community Improvement
Commission
The agenda for this meeting was posted in accordance with the Brown
Act.
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January 6, 2009
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